About China and Travel Tips

Archive for May, 2010

The cuisine of the Western region of China is well-known for its spiciness, but many Western palates overlook the complex interplay of savory, sour, hot and sweet flavors that underlie the fiery spice of the Szechwan pepper and other spices that give the Szechwan cuisine its characteristic burn.

For decades, most of the world was familiar mainly with Cantonese cuisine, and thought of it as ‘Chinese cuisine’. In reality, though, China is an enormous country that encompasses nearly every kind of climate imaginable. The amazing variety of foods, spices and climates have led to many distinct styles of Chinese cuisine. Szechwan cuisine, originating in a steamy, sub-tropical climate, includes smoked, pickled and spiced foods, as well as foods spiced with a heavy hand for both preservation and flavor.

While the Szechwan pepper, a fruit that grows in the Chongging province, has always been used in Szechwan cooking, most agree that it wasn’t until Christopher Columbus brought the chili back from his travels. Besides the flavors that sear the mouth, Szechwan cooking uses an interplay of flavors to create the full impact of a dish. Hot and Sour Soup, for instance, when prepared properly is neither exclusively hot, nor ultimately sour. Prepared with sorrel, lemongrass, tofu and other spices, its first impression is the heady, rich scent of roast meat and sour lemon. That aroma is belied at the first touch on the tongue – the soup is salty first, though not intensely so. The subtle blending of flavors melds, changing in the mouth to mildly sour – the sorrel and lemongrass making themselves known. It is not until the mouthful of soup has been swallowed that the fire sets in as the chili oil finally seeps into the taste buds.

This is not unusual for Szechwan cooking. The first mouthful of Kung Pao chicken seldom brings tears to your eyes. It is only as you chew and swallow and take yet another bite that the true heat of the dish begins to assert itself. Double Cooked Spicy Pork seems almost bland at first, with the flavors blending subtly in the background until the intense fire of the chili oil in which the pork is fried suddenly flames in your mouth.

There’s more than fire to Szechwan cuisine though. Smoked meats are common, and the smoking often makes use of unusual materials and flavors. Szechwan Tea-Smoked Duck is a delicacy that combines the flavors of citrus and ginger and garlic, juxtaposing them with a long, slow cooking over a fire laced with oolong and green tea leaves. The result is a succulent meat that melts in the mouth and leaves behind a hint of gingered orange.

One tradition of Szechwan cuisine that is becoming more common in the Western world is the Szechwan Hot Pot. Similar to a ‘fondue’, a Hot Pot is more an event than a meal. Chunks and slices of raw meat, seafood and vegetables are offered to diners at a table that holds a ‘Hot Pot’ – a pot of chili oil over a flame. Each diner selects their food and dips it in the chili oil until it is cooked. Often, hosts will also offer a pot of simple broth for those guests who prefer a more bland meal, or can’t tolerate the spiciness of food fried in chili oil.

Savory, rich and spicy, Szechwan cuisine is cuisine based on intensity – intensely hot, intensely sour, and intensely delicious.

This article is about the Lhasa travel and China vacations. You can find some helpful information in it if you are planning your Lhasa travel now.

Some tips for your Lhasa travel:
1. In the downtown of Lhasa, you may meet some kids asking for money. If you give money to a kid, you will be surrounded by these kids and your charity will only cause more trouble for yourself. In the entrance of Dazhao Temple or Potala Palace, there are a lot kids doing this job. In Lhasa, these kids do not go to school and they are making a living by this. You charity will only be the connivance for them. There are also some Tibetan monks asking for money in these areas. They claim to be the monks from the Shaga Temple but the real Shaga Temple monks will never do this kind of thing in my view.

2. Can I use my cell phone in Lhasa,Tibet? How is the cell phone signal?
In Lhasa and the big cities of Tibet, the cell phone services are available. You can use your cell phone in the Qingzang line(Qinghai to Tibet) and Chuanzang line (Sichuan to Tibet) too. But the signal is not so good sometimes becasue of the bad weather in Tibet. Currently, you can get the cell phone services if you are the customers of China Mobile(GSM), China Union(GSM,CDMA). Here is a list of the major tourist cities you can get the cell phone services in Tibet: Lhasa, Jiangzi,Rigeze,Shiquanhe,Lamu,Dingri,Zangmu,Zedang,Mozhugongka,Gongbujiangda,Linzhi,Bomi,Bashu,Bangda,Cangdu,Yangbajin,Dangxiong,Naqu,Ger. By the way, the CDMA services of China Union are available in the Qingzang line now.

3. Do I need to bring cash to Lhasa? Can I find the ATM to get some cash in Lhasa?
It is safe to carry cash to Lhasa and I will recommend you to carry enough cash for your Lhasa travel. In Lhasa, most places do not accept credit card or debit card and cash is always the first choice for the travellers to Lhasa. There are many bank branches in Lhasa(Bank of China, China Construction Bank, Agricultural Bank of China). The debit cards of these banks are good to withdraw cash from the ATM. Currently, the debit cards from the Industrial and Commercial Bank of China are not acceptable in the ATM of Lhasa,Tibet. Although you can cash using your debit cards in Lhasa, carrying enough cash is still the best choice for your Lhasa travel. Sometimes you are not able to get cash from the ATM or bank branch because of the bad telecom network of Tibet. Having cash in your hands is always more convinient for the travellers in Lhasa,Tibet.

4. Can I use U.S. dollars in Lhasa,Tibet?
No, dollars are not acceptable in Lhasa,Tibet. You will need to do the currency exchange first. The Bank of China and Lhasa Hotel can provide you this service.

5. About the flights to Lhasa:
Currently, there are non-stop flights to Lhasa from Beijing,Shanghai,Guangzhou,Hongkong,Chongqin,Chengdu,Xian,Xining,Cangdu,Kunming,Shangri-La,Jiademandu. The chance you get discounts on these airline tickets are pretty small.

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Planning a vacation or going on business out of town? Whether this is your first trip or the fortieth, a nod to common sense and a few practical pointers will not only streamline your journey, but also enhance your experience by making it safer, easier and more fun.

Planning Your Journey
Be sure to familiarize yourself with your destination. The Internet is an excellent resource for researching the area you will be visiting, and many visitor centers will also send a welcome packet for a nominal fee – as well as answer any questions by phone. Things that you should know before you leave include: the address and specific location of your hotel, the exact route to get there and hotel check in time. Also be aware of any specifics you might need en route, such as money for cab fare or toll roads, and carry a decent map of the region in case all else fails and you get lost. A cell phone is always a good idea in case of complications as well – be sure to have emergency numbers handy to contact your family, employer, etc. if necessary.

Consider your transportation needs. Is this an extended stay? Will you need a vehicle to drive or does the area have adequate public services such as busses, subways and commuter trains? Familiarize yourself with available transport as well as related costs and be sure to keep a copy of the bus or subway schedules with you if you plan to ride instead of drive.

Select your lodging with your specific desires and needs in mind. For example, if you want the convenience (and lesser expense) of being able to store and prepare your own food, choose accommodations with a kitchenette, or at least a refrigerator and a microwave. If you are traveling with small children and want to lighten your load, many hotels offer cribs, which will save you the trouble of packing one. In the U.S. hair dryers, irons and ironing boards, personal toiletries such as shampoo, conditioner and lotion, as well as optional laundry and dry cleaning services for an additional fee have become standard in many hotels, though you should first verify with your specific location before relying on any of these options.

Be certain that you have adequate funds for any emergencies on your trip. Always keep enough cash to call home, get transportation and a meal. Keep your money safe and on your person in a money belt or small wallet and don’t display needlessly. A credit card or access to traveler’s checks for unforeseen large expenses or emergencies is also necessary. If you are outside of your country, be certain that you have an adequate grasp of currency conversions.

Before You Leave
Properly prepare for your journey. If you are leaving your country, you must have a valid passport, be current with your immunizations and should familiarize yourself with relevant foreign customs regarding appropriate behavior. Also become acquainted with all pertinent laws according to your destination. Many books are available to give guidance for new visitors to just about every country in the world.

Take care of business on the home front. Put your mail and newspaper delivery on hold and leave a light on in your home for an “occupied” look. Also, ask a neighbor or friend keep an eye out for anything out of the ordinary. For a very extended vacation, consider paying someone to housesit – to attend to pets, plants, lawn care and other incidentals. Adjust your heating or air conditioning to minimum levels while you are gone and verify that all appliances and electrical equipment are turned off. Double check that your doors and windows are secure and don’t leave extra house keys in obvious places such as under the welcome mat or above the entry – would-be thieves are as aware of these places as you are. Remember to give your itinerary, destination and several contact phone numbers to someone that you trust.

Get plenty of rest the night before you depart – last minute planning and packing is not only stressful but leaves you prone to forgetting something. While traveling, wear comfortable clothing and shoes, but dress well enough to appear respectable in case of an unforeseen situation. Always keep your wallet, keys, ID, necessary medications and anything of importance, value or difficult to replace on your person, this is especially important when flying as airlines do occasionally make mistakes and lose luggage.

When Flying
As most are aware, the aftermath of September 11th has impacted the airline industry and everyone who flies. Therefore, leave sufficient time to check in for your flight as well as for inspection of your bags and person. Many airlines offer web or remote check in which can help speed up the process; this is especially advantageous if you do not have luggage to check. When packing, carefully review TSA and specific airline rules for acceptable carry on items. Typically disallowed in carry on bags are: sharp objects of any kind, lighters or anything that may be construed as a weapon. Comply politely with requests made by security personnel and be prepared to have your bag searched. It is a good idea to purchase a TSA approved locking mechanism to for your checked bags as TSA may break any locks if your bag is chosen for a random search.

Most airlines provide a light beverage and small snack such as a granola bar or peanuts, but food service is not guaranteed even on longer flights. Plan accordingly with easily accessible, nutritious snacks for yourself and especially young children. Also, be considerate of your flight neighbors – cramped conditions are not enjoyable for anyone and are made less so by thoughtless seatmates. Abide by rules of common courtesy and remember to bring entertainment – a book, magazines, puzzles or a laptop with headphones for music or movie DVDs.

Traveling By Car
If you are driving any distance, verify that your vehicle is in good working condition, and that all fluids have been topped off and tires inflated properly. Be sure that your spare tire is ready to use and that you have all necessary emergency road equipment – crow bar, jack, flares, etc. Keep proof of your insurance and drivers license handy and provide your children with age appropriate safety seats, which are mandatory in many U.S. states. Snacks and water for the trip will help you avoid driving delays, and entertainment for your passengers is also a good idea, as noted above for flying. Remember, don’t leave valuables or keys in your vehicle and always lock your car.

Safety In Your Hotel and Elsewhere
Once you have arrived at your destination, be aware of your surroundings so that you can take note of any suspicious or unusual activity. Be especially cautious at night and before entering parking garages or other secluded areas. When in public, always make an effort to appear confident and purposeful in order to thwart scam artists on the lookout for “tourists”. As with money, don’t display your hotel keys in public or leave them where they may be easily stolen. Don’t invite strangers to your room or needlessly reveal your personal details to anyone, and always verify the identity of any hotel employees before allowing them to enter. Also, when you are in your room, be sure to close and lock the door and check that all connecting doors are also secured. And never leave children unattended or trust them to the care of someone you don’t know!

Making the most of these traveling tips will help you better prepare for your journey and make your experience safer and easier – leaving you with more opportunity to enjoy yourself on both the journey and at your destination once you arrive.

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Many non-Chinese think that dim sum is just a steamed dumpling with maybe a dipping sauce to accompany it. However, although that is one type of dim sum, the term “dim sum” does not refer to a single recipe but to a style of serving a vast selection of different snack type items. Usually, these will be provided on a trolley which trundles between tables for diners to make their choices.

Dim sum originated in the Canton province of China and was always served with tea. The custom soon spread to other provinces and indeed, around the globe. Whether at home or in a restaurant, dim sum can be enjoyed and because of the many choices, there is always something for everyone. Dim sum is particularly good for large goups of friends because part of the fun is sharing and tasting a lot of different dishes but it can’t really be recommended for couples as the noise and bustle isn’t really conducive to a romantic dinner.

Dumplings are indeed popular and are generally made with flour and steamed, resulting is a soft, slightly sticky ball. Nonetheless, it is the filling which differentiates and here there are a huge variety of options.

One type of dumpling is Gau or Gau Ji which consists of a quite fragile rice flour paste stuffed with various vegetables, such as picked cabbage or tofu. These dim sum are quite hard to make because of the delicacy of the past but are full of flavour.

Prawns and shrimps of various types are often used to stuff dim sum dumplings. These may be ground up and used alone or combined with spices, nuts or flavoured oils. Crab roe with Chinese mushrooms is a common filling for dumplings fried squid or other seafood may also be found on the dim sum trolley.

Another variety of dumpling is Chiu-Chao and these are usually filled with prawns or pork combined with mushrooms or peanuts, garlic, spring onions and other flavourings.

Bau is a dumpling glazed with sugar, which turns it from white to brown and which is referred to as a bun. These are stuffed with roast pork and spring onions and are a real delicacy.

Dim sum is ideal for vegetarians as the trolley will often offer rolls stuffed with shredded vegetables such as carrots, cabbage or mushrooms.

So, we’ve touched on a few of the many varieties of dumplings, buns and rolls but dim sum doesn’t stop there.

Other possibilities include a rice porridge called Congee and of course, desserts. Thousand layer cake (Chien Chang Go), made from a sweetened dough with egg is one such and a steamed sponge cake sweetened with molasses is another. For a lighter finish to a meal, tofu drizzled with ginger syrup is a favourite.

We’ve hardly begun to explore the possibilities of dim sum which, although usually steamed or deep fried, can consist of almost anything snack-like in a small portion. This can include sesame toasts, meatballs, spareribs or even steamed chickens feet. There really is something for everyone so do give it a try.

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Zhangjiajie is located in the west of Hunan province, China. It is a beautiful and magnificent place. You will never find a place like this in the whole world. (If you are a big fan of the Chinese history and culture, Zhangjiajie is your very good choice for the China vacations.)

Zhangjiajie’s notable features are these: Tianzishan mountain ranges, BaoFengHu lake and the Jingbianxi Valley. These places are very popular filming and tourist destinations. In the ancient Chinese paintings, you can see a lot of beautiful mountains and rivers. The ancient Chinese people love traveling and are very proud of the beautiful natural scenes of China. Zhangjiajie is just like a place in the traditional Chinese painting and you can feel the ancient Chinese culture here. It is a very unique place in the whole world and you will fall in love with Zhangjiajie!

1. Eat in Zhangjiajie: The food in Zhangjiajie is the traditional Hunan food(the famous spicy food in China). Everything is very spicy here. I will recommend the Zhangjiajie Larou and Tucaihuoguo. They are very specail food in China.
If you wanna eat in the restaurants near the Zhangjiajie tourist attractions, it is much more expensive than the restaurants in the downtown of Zhangjiajie city.(the tour guide can get a high commission from the restaurants near the Zhangjiajie tourist attractions)
In the downtown of Zhangjiajie city, you can have more choices. There are a lot of good restaurants there and the price is pretty reasonable. You can get all kinds of good stuffs there like “Xue Tofu”, “Tuanniancai”, “Shefan”, “Suanyurou”, etc.

2. Hotels in Zhangjiajie: There are too many hotels in Zhangjiajie now and the competition makes the price lower and lower. Sometimes you can get a 3 star hotel at only 100 rmb. Another thing you should know is that the price will go up in the big Chinese holidays.
Here are some hotels we recommend:
Xianglong Hotel(4 star): 0744-8226888
International Hotel(4 star): 0744-8222888
Wantai Hotel(4 star): 0744-8388888
Minnan Hotel(4 star): 0744-8228888
Tianmenshan Hotel(3 star): 0744-8257888
Nanhangfulilai Hotel(3 star): 0744-8282888
Jingdu Hotel(3 star): 0744-8236688
Tujiafengqingyuan Hotel(3 star): 0744-8231951

3.Transportation: The traffic condition of Zhangjiajie is pretty good. You can take the train from Guangzhou,Shanghai,Beijing or Changsha to Zhangjiajie. The plane is also a good option for the travellers. There are airlines connecting Zhangjiajie directly with more than 20 cities in China.

4. Ticket price: The ticket price is 245 rmb for the main gate of Zhangjiajie. 60 rmb for Baofeng lake. 65 rmb for Huanglongdong. 60 rmb for Jiutiandong. 38 rmb for Tujiafengqing.
Tips: If your tour guide ask you to burn incense in a temple(he can get a 50% commission there), you should say no. Visiting these places is just a wasting of time for your China vacations. The phone number for the tourists’ complains is: 0744-8380193.

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